SHARKS PLAYER ACADEMY
Gladesville Sharks FC Professional Coaching Program for 2025
Player Academy Registration
Fill out the form below to secure your spot now.
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Elevating Skills, Building Confidence, and Growing the Game
Training Starts Wed 2nd April
Welcome to the Gladesville Sharks FC Player Academy, where players and coaches alike have the opportunity to grow, improve, and thrive. Our 2025 season introduces a dynamic program focused on high-quality player development and empowering volunteer coaches through expert-led workshops.
| Coaches | Tony Dunn & Christian Simunic |
| Player-to-Coach Ratio | 10-13 players per session |
| Training Schedule | Training Starts Wed 2nd April.Full-season structured coaching program (18 Weeks) |
| Session Duration | 1-hour per week |
| Training Times | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Wednesday 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Thursday (Exact days and times for each group to be advised soon) |
| Training Location | Morrison Bay Park, Putney |
| Age Groups | Players aged 6 to 8 yearsPlayers aged 9 to 13 years |
| Squads | Mixed & girls only groups |
| Wet Weather Policy | Sessions will be cancelled in the event of washouts. |
What Players Will Gain:
Expert-Led Training
Targeted Skill Development
Personalised Guidance
Holistic Support
Fitness & Discipline
Team-Oriented Activities
Meet Tony Dunn
The Expert Behind Our Player Academy
Tony Dunn brings decades of coaching experience to Gladesville Sharks FC, with an extensive background at state, national, and international levels. He has coached in the NSW State League, trained junior and senior representative teams, and worked with leading football academies, including the Glasgow Celtic Coaching Academy.
With high-level coaching qualifications such as an FFA Senior License and certifications in sports medicine, Tony’s approach focuses on skill development, tactical awareness, and building confidence in young players. His passion for the game, combined with his ability to mentor and inspire, makes him one of the most respected youth football coaches in Australia.
With decades of experience across all levels of football, Tony Dunn brings unmatched expertise, a proven track record, and a passion for developing young players. His leadership at Gladesville Sharks FC’s Player Academy ensures every participant benefits from elite-level coaching in a fun and supportive environment.
- FFA Soccer Youth License & FFA Senior License
- Level II Australian National Soccer Coaching Certificate
- Member of International Soccer Coaching Association & Ajax Online Academy
- International Partner with Glasgow Celtic Coaching Academy
- Working with Children Certificate & Royal Life Saving Resuscitation Certificate
SHARKS COACH DEVELOPMENT
Gladesville Sharks FC Coach the Coach Workshops
Coach The Coach Registration
Fill out the form below to secure your spot now.
Building Stronger Volunteer Coaches
Our Coach the Coach Workshops are tailored to support our volunteer parents and coaches by equipping them with the necessary tools, structure, and confidence to lead their teams.
Workshop Details:
| Workshops | 2 x 60-minute workshops |
| Dates/Times | Start of season and mid-season (TBC) |
| Location | Morrison Bay Park, Putney |
Workshop Objectives:
Upskilling Volunteer Coaches: Practical sessions designed to provide structure and guidance for novice coaches.
- Fundamental Knowledge: Covering game rules and tips for creating a fun and safe football environment.
- Positive Coaching Culture: Encouraging inclusive coaching practices across all levels of the club.
- Ongoing Support: Monitoring and mentoring coaches based on their needs, and providing access to coaching resources and development tools.
- Weekly Coaching Updates: Sharing key drills, strategies, and tips through weekly emails to ensure continuous learning throughout the season.
Gladesville Sharks FC Player Academy – FAQs
What is the Gladesville Sharks FC Player Academy?
The Player Academy is a structured coaching program designed to develop players’ skills, confidence, and love for the game while also providing expert guidance for volunteer coaches through workshops.
Who are the coaches?
Our program is led by experienced coaches Tony Dunn and Christian Simunic, who bring a wealth of knowledge in technical, tactical, and strategic aspects of football.
What is the player-to-coach ratio?
Each session will maintain a 10-13 players per coach ratio to ensure personalised training and effective skill development.
What is the training schedule?
Our Professional Coaching Program runs as a full-season structured coaching program (18 weeks) to help players develop their skills in a consistent, high-quality training environment.
- Training Starts Wed 2nd April.
- Session Duration: 1-hour per week
- Training Times: Sessions take place between 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Wednesdays & Thursdays. Exact days and times for each age group will be confirmed soon.
Where does training take place
Our training sessions take place at our home ground at Morrison Bay Park, Frances Rd Putney
How are players grouped for training?
Players will be organised into age-appropriate squads:
- Under 6–8 group
- Under 9–13 group
What happens if there is bad weather?
Sessions will not proceed during washouts, as per the club’s wet weather policy.
What skills will players develop?
- Dribbling, passing, shooting, and defending
- Tactical decision-making and game awareness
- Fitness, discipline, and teamwork
- Mental and emotional resilience for young athletes
What is the ‘Coach the Coach’ program?
What do the coaching workshops include?
- 2 x 60-minute workshops at the start and mid-season
- Practical training to guide volunteer coaches
- Game rule explanations and coaching best practices
- Ongoing support, resources, and weekly coaching updates
How can I register for the Player Academy or Coach the Coach Workshops?
You can register via the form above or get more details, please contact coaching@sharksfc.org.au.
Who should join our Coaching Programs?
- Players looking to improve their football skills in a professional coaching environment
- Volunteer coaches who want to build confidence and develop structured coaching techniques
What are the benefits of joining the program?
- Expert coaching to maximise player development
- A structured pathway to improve footballing skills
- Supportive environment for players and coaches
- Stronger club culture with community-driven coaching